Presidential candidate Maxo Joseph vows to 'restore state authority'

Pastor Joseph Maxo, a former 2016 presidential candidate who ran under the Rendez-vous banner, has re-entered Haiti's political race, Le Nouvelliste reported. Founder of the party Vision pour Haïti et pour le Monde (VIHAMO), he is among the candidates registered on the online platform of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). He is running under the colors of the Réveil des citoyens haïtiens grouping. Interviewed by Le Nouvelliste on Thursday, September 24, 2026, about the meaning of his candidacy, Maxo Joseph said he seeks a return to the rule of law, telling the outlet he wants to restore state authority. His bid comes amid a broader field of contenders. According to Le Nouvelliste, Gary Bodeau, former deputy for Delmas and former president of the Chamber of Deputies, is also officially in the race under the Rekonsilye grouping, and was among nine candidates registered on the CEP platform as of September 23, 2026. Bodeau said running in the current difficult context is first a matter of personal commitment, framing his candidacy as an effort to fill 'a leadership vacuum.' The candidacies unfold against reported difficulties in organizing Haiti's 2026 elections, according to the newspaper.